10 Easy Ways To Stop Using Plastic

Photo by Stijn Dijkstra from Pexels

Plastic is bad for the environment. The earth is so huge that we feel that nothing we do can ever help - but that is not true. Our country has been changing and improving (e.g. stopped giving out straws and plastic bags) over the past recent years.

Before going into the hows, let me share a little about the whys, as only when you are armed with knowledge, you will be informed and motivated to do better.

Plastic never breaks down - that is why they stay on the earth forever, polluting the environment and harming wildlife and also human health. Click here to read in more depth about how plastic use is affecting us negatively.

So ladies - get WOKE! A truly beautiful woman is not only of the outside, but of the mind and heart too. Let's get to work.

Metal straws by Mis Claire

1. Straws

Many places have stopped giving straws (even the cinema), or give you one in a packaging so you can opt NOT to use it. Use a reusable metal straw instead. Genius tip: Get a cleaning brush too so that you can keep it clean and healthy for reusing.

2. Utensils

When buying take out, tell them that you don't need plastic utensils - use the ones that you have at home or if you are always on the go, buy a lunch set (you can get good ones for cheap at places like Daiso).

3. Stop chewing gum

Once you spit it out, it doesn't go away because gum is also a type of 'plastic' that does not break down. It stays somewhere on this earth. Find other ways to keep your breath fresh throughout the day.

4. Buy refill packs

Instead of buying new bottles of product all the time, opt for refill packs - most of the time, it saves you some cents too.

5. Bring your own container and mugs

It is hard, but you can start bringing your own washable mugs and containers - especially if you buy takeout every day. The staff at the nasi campur place will be happy to put the food in your container.

6. Re-purpose containers

Sometimes, it just happens, you will get plastic without thinking about it as it has been a routine or a habit our whole lives. Re-purpose it, don't just throw it out. Even food containers become useful organization boxes for my vanity table and bedroom.

7. Stop buying bottled water

Stop buying bottled water and have a clean source of water from your home or office that you can collect using a reusable water bottle.

8. Use a brush instead of facial scrub

Did you know that facial scrubs have a bad reputation for having beads that do not disintegrate and flow to the sea and pollute it? Now there are some environmental-friendly brands and options, but I keep it simple by using a face brush (again, cheap from Daiso) that I can use with any washing products and double it into a scrub. Minimize products and keeping it safe for the environment.

9. Order an ice cream cone.

When you get an ice cream from a fast food joint, you need to decide between a cone or a sundae. So guess what do you think? No plastic, of course!

10. Reusable bag

This practice has been around for longer than the rest (even before the straws) where supermarkets practice not giving out plastic bags on weekends. Get a foldable reusable bag for groceries - it can be folded really small to put in your bag or car anytime.

Foldable reusable bag from Mis Claire